It could be as simple as a salary cap thing. If we play Litten, Barron, Hookem - then their full salary (small as it may be) will count against the cap?
It could be as simple as a salary cap thing. If we play Litten, Barron, Hookem - then their full salary (small as it may be) will count against the cap?
The Salary cap for a club applies to its top 25 earners.
So unless an Academy player is paid that rate, then it makes no difference.
Conversely, even if they don`t play 1st team games, an Academy player`s contract would still count on the cap, if they in the highest 25 paid contracts.
Even if we had cap issues, deregistering Cator would free up the necessary room.
I reckon it's more likely to be the conservatism of a coach whose job is far from safe who isn't ready to gamble his career on the maturity of 18 year olds.
He has skills and agility. If he didn't have legs like bollards he'd probably be a decent 6.
He doesn't look out of place playing that 1st receiver role as you say, I think he will go back to being a 13 eventually. Know a few people involved in the junior set-up and all speak glowingly of him for the way he sets the standards in training and leads the way in the gym.
If the last 2 posts are true, then I am surprised he hasn't had a squad place at least so far this season. Sounds like he would perform better in the back row than JJ
If the last 2 posts are true, then I am surprised he hasn't had a squad place at least so far this season. Sounds like he would perform better in the back row than JJ
He's had injury problems. If he stays fit I'd expect to seem him this year.